Urine collection device

ABSTRACT

The present invention is concerned with urine collection devices which are especially convenient for taking mid-stream specimens from females. Generally, the devices comprise an outer tube and an inner tube which is slidably movable within the outer tube between first and second positions; the outer tube having one end contoured and dimensioned for engaging the forward area of the genitalia and surrounding the urethra and having a drainage outlet intermediate its ends and the inner tube acting as a fluid control means whereby in the first position the drainage outlet is blocked and in the second position the drainage outlet is open so that a specimen may be collected.

[151 3,680,543 [451 Aug. 1, 1972 United States Patent Cox .251/325 X 1/l969 Farr.............................l28/2.07 .251/325 X w m m. a a t n m a .l B P 8 5 6 4 9 9 1.. .l 2 2 .1

[73] Assignee: The Gillette Company, Boston, Primary Examiner-Kyle L. Howell Mass.

Attorney-Philip Colman, Oistein J. Bratlie, William M. Anderson and Scott R. Foster [22] Filed: July 2, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 51,889

ABSTRACT The present invention is concerned with urine collecy convenient for taking stream specimens from females. Generally, the ces comprise an outer tube and an inner tube which is slidably movable within the outer tube tion devices which are especial] middevi [52] US. Cl. F, 4/110, 128/295 [58] Field of Search...........

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I/VVENTOR Michael Christopher Langfon Cox William M. Anderson Afforney URINE COLLECTION DEVICE Urine specimens are frequently required for diagnostic purposes and for some purposes at least it is desirable that the specimen should be taken from the mid-stream of micturition, after the urethra has been flushed by a flow from the bladder. The obtaining from a female patient of a urine specimen which is uncontaminated by contact with external surfaces of the body presents considerable difficulties and these difficulties are increased if the attempt is made to obtain a midstream specimen.

The device in accordance with the invention which is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings greatly facilitates the obtaining of an uncontaminated urine specimen from a female patient and allows the specimen to be taken at any desired stage of micturition. In the drawing:

FIGS. la, 1b and 1c are perspective views of the component parts of the device, shown separated from one another.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device with the component parts in position for use.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a modified version of the device of this invention.

The device illustrated comprises an outer collector 1 which consists of a tube 11 of triangular cross-section, having an open distal end 12 and an open proximal end 14 which (proximal end 14) is flared or flanged outwardly to present proximal end surface 16, lying at an angle of about 45 to the axis of the tube 11 and a branch drainage tube 13 of circular cross-section, which opens into the outer tube 11 intermediate its ends and which is also disposed at an angle of about 45 to the tube 11, so that it is approximately perpendicular to the proximal end surface 16. The inner collector 2 consists of tube 21, also of triangular cross-section, which fits slidably within the outer tube 11 and has an open proximal end 22 set at the same angle to the axis as the proximal end surface 16 of outer tube 1 l.

The inner collector 2 is provided with a handle 23, which is joined at the distal end 24 of the tube 21 and serves as a closure for the distal end 24. The handle 23 also serves to limit the movement of the inner tube 21 toward the proximal end of the outer tube 11 by engagement with the distal end 12 of the outer tube 11. The movement in the reverse direction being limited by the engagement of a lip 26 which is provided at the proximal end of tube 21 with a stop 18 formed on the inner surface of tube 11 at a position distal to the branch tube 13. In a modified version (FIG. 3) the handle 23a is attached to tube 21 at a position intermediate its ends and the distal end of tube 21 is closed by end wall 42. The handle 23a projects through a slot 44 which is provided in the wall of tube 11 and the engagement of the handle 230 with the ends of the slot limits sliding movement of the inner collector 21 within the outer tube 11. With this modification, there is less risk of the user soiling her hand when operating the handle, as described below.

The device also comprises a specimen container 3, in the form of a cylindrical cup 30, which fits friction tight over the open end of the branch tube 13 of the outer collector. A separate cap 32 is provided for closing the mouth of container 3.

It is preferably intended that the device should be used on a single occasion only and be discarded after use. In such instances, the device may be moulded from suitable plastics materials. Conveniently, the collector system, comprising all the components assembled together as shown in FIG. 2 may be supplied in a sterile kit (not shown) which also includes a swab impregnated with a suitable disinfectant.

In using such a kit to obtain a mid-stream urine specimen, the patient cleanses the genitalia with the swab and then places the proximal end surface 16 of the outer collector 1 between the forward parts of the labiae so as to cover the area forward of the vagina and enclose the outlet of the urethra. As will be noted, the proximal end surface 16 is contoured and dimensioned so as to conveniently fit into this area. The inner collector 2 is fully retracted into the outer collector l, as shown in FIG. 2, so that its open proximal end 22 also surrounds the outlet of the urethra. With the collector system in position, the patient micturates, the urine flowing through the length of the inner tube 21. After e.g. 1 second, the handle 23 is operated to withdrawn the inner collector to the extent permitted by the stop 18, and after e. g. one further second, it is returned to its original position. While the handle 23 is in it forward position, the inner collector 21 lies clear of the entrance to the branch pipe 13, so that urine can flow through the branch into the specimen collector 3. On completion of micturition, the collector system is removed and the specimen container 3 is then detached from the remainder of the collector system, closed with the cap 32, and labelled.

In further embodiments of the present invention, the distal end of the inner tube is left open and other recepticals are used to receive the portions of urine which are not to be used as specimens.

While devices in accordance with the invention are particularly useful for the collection of specimens from female patients, they can be used also for males, the form of the parts being appropriately modified. It will be understood that the description and drawings of one particular device in accordance with the invention are intended by way of illustrative example only and that the device can be modified in many ways other than those specifically mentioned above.

Having thus described my invention, what is claimed l. A medical device for taking urine samples from females, said device comprising an outer and inner tube; said outer tube having open distal and proximal ends and a drainage tube which is connected to and opens into the outer tube intermediate said ends thereof, the proximal end of said outer tube being adapted to fit between the forward parts of the labiae and enclose the outlet of the urethra; and said inner tube having (a) an open proximal end and a closed distal end, (b) the same cross-sectional configuration as the outer tube and fitting closely therein, and (0) being longitudinally slidably movable within the outer tube between first and second positions in a manner such that when said inner tube is in said first position, the opening to said drainage tube is closed off and when said inner tube is in said second position the opening to said drainage tube is open so that a midstream urine sample may be withdrawn.

2. A medical device as defined in claim I wherein a handle is attached to said inner tube to facilitate second positions of said inner tube.

5. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said outer and inner tubes are triangular in cross-section and the proximal end of said outer tube is flanged outwardly to provide a proximal end surface, the outer edges of which are adapted to fit between the forward pans of the labiae.

6. A device as defined in claim 5 wherein the proximal end surface of the outer tube lies at an angle of about 45 to the axis of said tube. 

1. A medical device for taking urine samples from females, said device comprising an outer and inner tube; said outer tube having open distal and proximal ends and a drainage tube which is connected to and opens into the outer tube intermediate said ends thereof, the proximal end of said outer tube being adapted to fit between the forward parts of the labiae and enclose the outlet of the urethra; and said inner tube having (a) an open proximal end and a closed distal end, (b) the same cross-sectional configuration as the outer tube and fitting closely therein, and (c) being longitudinally slidably movable within the outer tube between first and second positions in a manner such that when said inner tube is in said first position, the opening to said drainage tube is closed off and when said inner tube is in said second position the opening to said drainage tube is open so that a mid-stream urinE sample may be withdrawn.
 2. A medical device as defined in claim 1 wherein a handle is attached to said inner tube to facilitate manipulation of said inner tube between said first and second positions.
 3. A medical device as defined in claim 2 wherein said handle is attached to the distal end of said inner tube.
 4. A medical device as defined in claim 2 wherein said handle is attached to said inner tube intermediate the ends thereof and an elongated slot is provided in the wall of said outer tube through which said handle protrudes and is movable between first and second positions which are coincidental with the first and second positions of said inner tube.
 5. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said outer and inner tubes are triangular in cross-section and the proximal end of said outer tube is flanged outwardly to provide a proximal end surface, the outer edges of which are adapted to fit between the forward parts of the labiae.
 6. A device as defined in claim 5 wherein the proximal end surface of the outer tube lies at an angle of about 45* to the axis of said tube. 